Mar 18 (edited) • General discussion
Lets Get Hauling
🔹 PHASE 1 — Business Formation
Lay your foundation the right way.
- ✅ Choose your business name
- ✅ Verify availability on your state SOS website
- ✅ File Articles of Organization (LLC)($50–$500 depending on state)
- ✅ Appoint a Registered Agent(You or a service like Northwest Registered Agent)
- ✅ Get your EIN (Free — irs.gov/ein, ~10 minutes)
- ✅ Open a business bank account(Bring EIN + Articles of Organization)
- ✅ Create an Operating Agreement(Free templates available online)
🔹 PHASE 2 — Federal DOT Registration
Get legally recognized to operate.
- ✅ Register for your USDOT Number(Free — Form MCS-150 at li.fmcsa.dot.gov)
- ✅ Save your USDOT number(Needed for insurance + compliance)
- ✅ Order USDOT decals for your truck(Both sides — minimum 2” lettering)
- ✅ Update all business profiles(Website, Google Business Profile, invoices)
🔹 PHASE 3 — MC Authority Application
Make it official — this is where you go active.
- ✅ File Form OP-1($300 — choose HHG or Property)
- ✅ Receive your MC Number(Issued immediately after filing)
- ✅ File BOC-3 Process Agent(BOC3.com — $20–$40)
- ✅ Bind commercial insurance(Minimum $750K liability)
- ⚠️ Wait 20-day FMCSA protest period
- ❗ DO NOT HAUL until status = ACTIVE
- ✅ Verify status at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- ✅ Print your MC Authority Certificate
🔹 PHASE 4 — Insurance & Filings
Protect your business and stay compliant.
- ✅ Confirm BMC-91 filed (liability)
- ✅ Confirm BMC-34 filed (cargo, if HHG)
- ✅ Add commercial auto coverage
- ✅ Add general liability coverage
- ⚠️ Set renewal reminders(Lapsed insurance = authority shutdown)
🔹 PHASE 5 — Tax & Compliance
Stay legal and audit-ready.
- ✅ Register for UCR($69/year — 0–2 trucks)
- ✅ Apply for IFTA (if crossing states)
- ✅ File IRS Form 2290 (if 55K+ lbs)~$550/year
- ✅ Check state intrastate requirements
- ✅ Set up quarterly IFTA reporting
- ✅ Track mileage + fuel per truck
🔹 PHASE 6 — Operations Setup
Get ready to actually make money.
- ✅ Create a Bill of Lading (BOL)
- ✅ Set up dispatch / load tracking(Sheets, Truckstop, or TMS)
- ✅ Install ELD (if required)
- ✅ Set up drug testing program (FMCSA required)
- ✅ Create Driver Qualification Files(CDL, MVR, medical, drug test)
- ✅ Display company name + USDOT on truck
- ✅ Keep documents in truck at all times(Insurance + Authority Certificate)
🚀 Final Step
Once you're ACTIVE…
👉 Start booking loads👉 Build relationships👉 Scale smart
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